Soft & games news and updates for Mobile Page 118

05 Aug 2024

Google Tests Drag-and-Drop in Chrome for Android, Enhancing User Experience

Google is testing drag-and-drop functionality for its Chrome app on Android, expected in version 129, now in the Dev channel. This feature will enable file transfers within the browser and to other apps, similar to desktop. Changes to the "Recent Searches" feature are also anticipated.

05 Aug 2024

Fitbit Expands School Time Feature to More Devices for Parental Control

Parents are increasingly focused on managing their children’s screen time and offline activities. In response, a School time feature was introduced on Fitbit Ace LTE smartwatches and will expand to select Android devices and Samsung Galaxy Watches. This feature helps parents customize device use during school hours.

05 Aug 2024

Android 15 to Enforce Edge-to-Edge Display by Default for All Apps

Android 15 will enforce edge-to-edge display by default, making status and navigation bars transparent for full-screen use. Developers can bypass this with the windowOptOutEdgeToEdgeEnforcement API, though it will be deprecated in future SDKs. Google Play Store targets Android 15 by August 31, 2026.

05 Aug 2024

Google Enhances Android App Delivery with New Bundle Format

Google has made the Android App Bundle (AAB) format the default for new applications since 2021. This format optimizes app delivery by including only necessary components for specific devices. While Play Store users see minimal impact, sideloading apps now requires additional tools.

04 Aug 2024

Telegram Enhances In-App Browser with Web3 Support and New Features

Telegram has updated its in-app browser, adding a bottom bar for navigation and support for Web3, including decentralized websites on TON. Users can now view and bookmark instant articles. A new "Apps" tab helps find mini apps. Additional updates include a weather widget and video message enhancements.

04 Aug 2024

Five Spyware Apps Removed from Google Play Store After Two Years

Five apps containing hazardous spyware, known as "Mandrake," evaded detection on the Google Play Store for two years, amassing over 32,000 downloads. Originating mainly from the UK, the spyware collected sensitive data and installed malicious applications. The apps have now been removed.

04 Aug 2024

New Android Banking Trojan BlankBot Identified, Poses Significant Risks

A new Android banking trojan named BlankBot has been identified, posing risks by capturing SMS messages, banking credentials, and device lock patterns. First detected on July 24, it targets users in Turkey, evades antivirus software, and is distributed through utility apps. Users should download apps only from official stores.

04 Aug 2024

Top Mobile Games of 2024 Reviewed and Awarded by Pocket Gamer

In 2024, mobile game reviews continue to thrive, with hundreds of new titles evaluated annually by editors and reviewers from various sites. The best games are selected for their promise and awarded Platinum, Gold, Silver, or Bronze by Pocket Gamer.

04 Aug 2024

Mandrake Bug Puts Android Users at Risk; Google Bans Five Apps

Android users face risks from the Mandrake bug, which enables cybercriminals to monitor activity and simulate screen taps. Google has banned five apps linked to this malware, affecting over 30,000 users globally. Users are advised to enable Google Play Protect for protection against known versions of the malware.

03 Aug 2024

Modded Android Games Offer Customization but Pose Security Risks

Modded Android games are unofficial versions of published titles that can introduce new features or unlock content. While they offer enhanced control, downloading from third-party sources poses risks. Trusted repositories backed by developers, like those for Stardew Valley, are safer options for users.

03 Aug 2024

Minecraft and Lush Launch Minecraft-Inspired Cosmetic Products

Minecraft has partnered with cosmetics brand Lush to create a range of Minecraft-inspired products, including twelve real-world items and four special in-game bath bombs. This collaboration celebrates Minecraft's 15th anniversary and aims to enhance player experiences with exclusive in-game benefits.

03 Aug 2024

Emerging Alternatives Challenge WhatsApp's Dominance in 2024 Communication

WhatsApp remains a leading platform in digital communication, but several alternatives have emerged in 2024, each offering unique features. Competitors like Facebook Messenger, Viber, Skype, Telegram, Signal, Wire, and Hike are gaining traction with varied functionalities and enhanced privacy options.

01 Aug 2024

Malicious App BingoMod Poses Threat to Android Users, Experts Warn

BingoMod, a malicious Android app posing as antivirus software, poses a significant threat by requesting special permissions to monitor user activity and steal sensitive information. It complicates detection by disabling other apps and can erase personal data. Users should download apps from reputable sources.

01 Aug 2024

ESET Finds Zero-Day Exploit "EvilVideo" Targeting Telegram on Android

Researchers at ESET discovered a zero-day exploit named "EvilVideo" targeting Telegram on Android. The exploit, found on an underground forum, allowed harmful payloads disguised as multimedia files. Telegram patched the vulnerability in versions 10.14.5 and above. Usage in the wild is unclear.

01 Aug 2024

Google Highlights Marvel Contest of Champions with Ferris Wheel Event

Google showcased the Marvel Contest of Champions game at an event featuring a Ferris wheel outside the convention center. Attendees played on Android phones and took photos with Marvel character cutouts. VIP access was granted to Play Points users with Silver status or higher.

01 Aug 2024

Pakistani Engineers Develop 'Beep' App for Secure Government Communication

Pakistani engineers developed the 'Beep' messaging app for government officials, completing trials since 2023. Awaiting government approval, it aims to enhance secure communication amid social media restrictions. Beep may be rolled out to all government employees within 45 days, with future public access possible.

01 Aug 2024

Google Removes Five Malware-Infected Apps from Play Store

Google has removed five apps from the Play Store containing Mandrake malware, downloaded 32,000 times. Mandrake can monitor activities, collect data, and simulate interactions. Affected apps include AirFS and Astro Explorer. Users should enable Play Protect and delete these apps manually.

30 Jul 2024

Garou: Mark of the Wolves ACA NeoGeo Now Available on Mobile Platforms

Hamster and SNK have launched Garou: Mark of the Wolves ACA NeoGeo on mobile platforms. The game, featuring controller support, is now available for purchase on the App Store and Google Play for $3.99.

30 Jul 2024

Google Photos to Introduce Feature for Simplifying Image Hiding

Google Photos is introducing a feature to simplify hiding images of specific individuals. The update will pre-highlight faces, enabling users to easily select "Hide face from memories" by tapping three dots next to the icon. This aims to enhance user experience and control over digital memories.

30 Jul 2024

Kaspersky Uncovers New Mandrake Android Spyware Variant on Google Play

A Kaspersky investigation uncovered a new variant of the Android spyware Mandrake in five Google Play apps, downloaded over 32,000 times. These apps, active for at least a year, were removed by March 2024. The spyware evades detection and collects data. Users should install apps from reputable sources.

29 Jul 2024

InnoGames Announces New Game Heroes of History Featuring Historical Figures

InnoGames, known for Forge of Empires, is developing Heroes of History, a new game where players recruit figures like Abraham Lincoln and Marie Curie. The game blends mythological and quirky historical characters. It joins the lists of best mobile games of 2024 and most anticipated mobile games.

29 Jul 2024

Google Play Expands Collections Widget Across the United States

Google Play is expanding its "Collections" widget across the U.S. Users can choose between a smaller bar or a full-screen layout for quick access to categories like Watch, Game, and Read. The widget offers tailored content recommendations and customizable settings for a personalized experience.

29 Jul 2024

Google Considers Certification for Custom ROMs Amid Play Integrity Issues

Android's open-source nature offers flexibility but poses security challenges. The Play Integrity API ensures apps run on genuine devices, affecting custom ROM users. Discussions are ongoing about a certification process for third-party ROMs, though interest remains low. Most users prefer mainstream devices.

29 Jul 2024

EU's Digital Markets Act Enables Torrent Apps on iPhones via AltStore

The EU's Digital Markets Act now permits iPhone users in the EU to install torrent-related apps via AltStore PAL. This includes iTorrent and qBitControl. Apple has traditionally banned such apps from its App Store over third-party rights concerns.

28 Jul 2024

Google to Remove Low-Quality Apps from Play Store by August 2024

Google will remove low-quality apps from the Google Play Store by August 31, 2024, under its updated spam and functionality policy. Apps must show utility and engaging content; those that crash frequently or lack essential features will be removed. Changes won't affect already downloaded apps.

27 Jul 2024

Telegram's Default Encryption Method Raises Security Questions

Telegram's default security relies on server-client encryption rather than end-to-end encryption, raising concerns about data privacy among users. This difference in encryption methods highlights the importance of understanding app security features for business communications.

27 Jul 2024

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 Enhances Functionality with Good Lock App

Samsung has introduced a new feature for the Galaxy Z Flip 6. Users can now set up cover screen apps by downloading the Good Lock app, installing the MultiStar module, and selecting their preferred apps. This update aims to enhance user experience and device functionality.

27 Jul 2024

Business Leaders Explore Strategies for Navigating Social Media Relationships

A business publication reports on the growing trend of professionals using multiple messaging apps to ensure communication. This shift highlights the challenges of navigating social media-based relationships and the importance of effective digital communication strategies in the modern workplace.

Epic Games Expands Store to Android Globally and iOS in the EU

27 Jul 2024

Apps & Games news for Mobile Page 118

Google Tests Drag-and-Drop in Chrome for Android, Enhancing User Experience

Fitbit Expands School Time Feature to More Devices for Parental Control

Android 15 to Enforce Edge-to-Edge Display by Default for All Apps

Google Enhances Android App Delivery with New Bundle Format

Telegram Enhances In-App Browser with Web3 Support and New Features

Five Spyware Apps Removed from Google Play Store After Two Years

New Android Banking Trojan BlankBot Identified, Poses Significant Risks

Top Mobile Games of 2024 Reviewed and Awarded by Pocket Gamer

Mandrake Bug Puts Android Users at Risk; Google Bans Five Apps

Modded Android Games Offer Customization but Pose Security Risks

Minecraft and Lush Launch Minecraft-Inspired Cosmetic Products

Emerging Alternatives Challenge WhatsApp's Dominance in 2024 Communication

Malicious App BingoMod Poses Threat to Android Users, Experts Warn

ESET Finds Zero-Day Exploit "EvilVideo" Targeting Telegram on Android

Google Highlights Marvel Contest of Champions with Ferris Wheel Event

Pakistani Engineers Develop 'Beep' App for Secure Government Communication

Google Removes Five Malware-Infected Apps from Play Store

Garou: Mark of the Wolves ACA NeoGeo Now Available on Mobile Platforms

Google Photos to Introduce Feature for Simplifying Image Hiding

Kaspersky Uncovers New Mandrake Android Spyware Variant on Google Play

InnoGames Announces New Game Heroes of History Featuring Historical Figures

Google Play Expands Collections Widget Across the United States

Google Considers Certification for Custom ROMs Amid Play Integrity Issues

EU's Digital Markets Act Enables Torrent Apps on iPhones via AltStore

Google to Remove Low-Quality Apps from Play Store by August 2024

Telegram's Default Encryption Method Raises Security Questions

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 Enhances Functionality with Good Lock App

Business Leaders Explore Strategies for Navigating Social Media Relationships

Epic Games Expands Store to Android Globally and iOS in the EU

Google Play Store Adds Location-Based Recommendations for Local Content

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